The Autosports International Show from the NEC 11-14th Jan 2007

Carter Motorsport reveals it's 2007 secrets. The NEC, Saturday 13th January 2007, 12pm sharp

Main Show Article The Launch Picture Gallery

At 12 O'clock, Top Fuel racer and twice FIA European Champion Andy Carter unveiled his plans for 2007 in a very professionally presented ceremony facilitated by the legendary announcer John Price.

The highlight of the unveiling was the news that Lucas Oil are to be Carter Motorsports' primary sponsors for at least the next two seasons. In doing so, Andy joins an illustrious list of Lucas Oil-sponsored drag racers in the United States, including Forrest Lucas' son Morgan Lucas, Larry Dixon and Brandon Bernstein. Lucas Oil UK's Managing Director Les Downey was on hand at the launch and looked as pleased as punch: "There aren't many more demanding environments in motor sport than keeping an FIA Top Fuel dragster lubricated". Both Andy and Les shook hands across the dragster at the launch signifying the start of what is hoped will be a long and very successful association between them. A good crowd enjoyed the launch, made all the more enjoyable by the accompanying lovely and shapely Lucas ladies that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

In the midst of everything, Andy very kindly took a little time out during the hectic show to speak with us:-

TN: So Andy - as you head off onto the start of FIA European Top Fuel Tour - seeking an unprecedented third Top Fuel Title - what is Carter Motorsports' Competitive Edge for 2007?

AC: It's got to be desire, Richard. I think if you haven't got desire, then you haven't got the will to win. You know, you'll be a competitor, you'll be in the field and you'll be an also-ran, but you won't be a winner and that's what the winners have got. Desire.

TN: Even with a "four fifty" tune-up I guess that possibly wouldn't even win the championship?

AC: I think that if you were going for a "Four Fifty" tune up - it's not the way to win the championship. The championship will be won by "Four Eighties" this year. Consistent Four eighties and you will have a very good chance of winning the European Championship.

TN: During the course of the year - obviously you've got effectively a brand new car that's got to get settled down before the start of the year; are you planning to do any testing before the Main Event?

AC: The Easter race, the pro fuel shoot-out which we've won twice is a great race to do and I love that race, but I'm not 100% sure that we're going to be ready for that. We only want to go to the track when we are 100% ready so if we miss that, we'll do two test weekends before The Main Event.

TN: That's excellent and hopefully we will be there too to catch up with what goes on. Now, you've had plenty of time to make all these preparations for the coming year - what do you feel your chances are for this year - is it going to be another Championship?

AC: We're going for the Championship, Richard, that's the only reason I go racing is the winning which is one of the reasons why last year what happened did - is I'm only in it for the winning and once I can't do that - it takes the edge off it for me. But as you said, it's a new car, it's got new parts on it and there's going to be some development - if you're honest there is some development involved in that car. You know, we have a two year deal with Lucas at the very least so 2008 could see us even stronger than 2007 - we're going to be one of the front runners - we always are!

TN: Absolutely fantastic. Andy thank you very much indeed for taking the time out to talk to us and good luck for the coming season.

AC: I'd like to say thanks to Lucas Oil, Richard, for coming on board with us and for showing their faith in me and thanks to all our associate sponsors and thanks to you, Richard and everyone at Topnitro.

TN: Thank you, Andy.

Why not have a quick look at the photo gallery of the launch by clicking just here

Thank you for looking at this report and we look forward to you visiting www.topntro.co.uk in the near future.

I would like to thank Autosport International for organising a superb show, as always and also to Santa Pod, Carter Motorsports and in particular, Derek Todd for all the help and courtesies.

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